Top 10 Muslim Football Players in 2026

Lamine Yamal leads the list of top Muslim football players this year, following an outstanding season with Barcelona where he helped secure La Liga and advance to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi, both from PSG, hold the second and third spots after playing key roles in the club’s Champions League victory. Senegal’s Sadio Mane ranks fourth, celebrated for his domestic form and winning the 2025 AFCON. Karim Benzema continues to impress at Al-Hilal. Other names in the top ten include N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli).

Criteria for Ranking

The rankings consider individual statistics, trophies won, international performances, and awards during the 2024/25 and ongoing 2025/26 seasons. The aim is to present a fair and transparent list highlighting the best Muslim footballers currently making an impact.

Top 10 Muslim Footballers of 2026

• Rank 1: Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona) – Right-Winger, 36 appearances
• Rank 2: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) – Striker/Right Winger, 26 appearances
• Rank 3: Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – Right-Back, 22 appearances
• Rank 4: Sadio Mane (Al Nassr) – Left-Winger, 26 appearances
• Rank 5: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – Right-Winger, 31 appearances
• Rank 6: Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) – Right-Winger, 32 appearances
• Rank 7: Karim Benzema (Al Hilal) – Striker, 25 appearances
• Rank 8: N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahce) – Midfielder, 34 appearances
• Rank 9: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) – Midfielder, 27 appearances
• Rank 10: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool) – Centre-Back, 38 appearances

Player Spotlights

Though Liverpool currently sits fifth, Konate remains a solid defender renowned for pace, strength, and tackling. He was vital in Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title, contributing strong leadership and consistency. Despite some dip in form this season amid contract issues, he’s expected to bounce back. Konate is a practising Muslim known for charitable donations and discipline.

• Appearances: 46
• World Cup appearances: 6
• Position: Centre-Back
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.13
• Goals + Assists: 2 + 0
• Tackles + Interceptions per 90: 4.20

Xhaka, of Muslim family background though not practising, impresses with playmaking and defensive skills. As Sunderland's captain, he controls the midfield tempo and demonstrates strong tackling and positional sense. His influence helped Sunderland maintain steady Premier League performance.

• Appearances: 37
• World Cup appearances: 15
• Position: Central Midfielder
• Goals + Assists: 8 + 5
• Progressive Passes in Final Third per 90: 5.61
• Progressive Carries per 90: 1.00

Kanté, famed for his stamina and calm presence, ranks among the best midfielders. Now at Fenerbahce, he remains a relentless ball-winner and versatile midfielder, admired for humility and work ethic. A practicing Muslim, he has inspired many with his consistent dedication.

• Appearances: 39
• World Cup appearances: 7
• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Goals + Assists: 2 + 2
• Progressive Passes per 90: 6.59
• Progressive Carries per 90: 1.08

Benzema’s legacy at Real Madrid is remarkable, having won multiple major trophies including the Ballon d’Or in 2022. Now at Al-Hilal, he continues scoring prolifically. His goal-scoring instincts and positional awareness keep him among elite forwards. Moving to Saudi Arabia also brings him closer to his faith.

• Appearances: 21
• World Cup appearances: 5
• Position: Centre Forward
• Expected Goals (xG): 18.15
• Goals: 24
• Assists: 3

Mahrez’s skillful play has earned him status as one of the Premier League’s finest wingers. Known for a strong left foot and creative passing, he enjoyed success with Manchester City before moving to Al-Ahli. He’s also engaged in charity work and won the AFCON with Algeria in 2019.

• Appearances: 42
• World Cup appearances: 3
• Position: Right Winger
• Goals + Assists: 11 + 11
• Shots on Target per 90: 0.88
• Chance Creation per 90: 1.98

Salah remains one of football’s premier wingers, known for dribbling, finishing, and vision. His stellar contributions helped Liverpool win several trophies, including the 2024/25 EPL title where he scored 29 goals. A practising Muslim, he often inspires fans by performing well even during Ramadan.

• Appearances: 41
• World Cup appearances: 5
• Position: Right Winger
• Goals + Assists: 16 + 12
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.18
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.94

Mane made his name at Liverpool as a prolific scorer and creator. After winning the 2025 AFCON with Senegal, he moved to Bayern Munich and then to Al Nassr, where he keeps demonstrating pace, finishing, and tactical intelligence. Off the pitch, he contributes to his hometown with hospitals, schools, and mosques.

• Appearances: 38
• World Cup appearances: 6
• Position: Left Winger
• Goals + Assists: 16 + 13
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.24
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.61

Hakimi is praised for speed, passing, and intelligence at right-back. His achievements with PSG include a quadruple-winning season. He is also a practicing Muslim who has been honored as Arab Sportsman of the Year and had a stadium named after him in Morocco.

• Appearances: 43
• World Cup appearances: 13
• Position: Right Back
• Aerial Duels Won per 90: 0.35
• Goals + Assists: 6 + 13
• Tackles + Interceptions per 90: 1.14

Dembélé, winner of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League and Ballon d'Or, holds second place. Known for versatility and flair, he has overcome injuries to excel at PSG and France. Recently, he scored a hat-trick at the World Cup and competes for the Golden Boot.

• Appearances: 39
• World Cup appearances: 14
• Position: Centre Forward
• Expected Goals (xG): 15.43
• Goals: 24
• Assists: 13

The youngest star on the list, Yamal burst onto the scene winning the Kopa Trophy twice by age 18. He was key in Barcelona’s 2024/25 La Liga triumph and domestic treble. His dribbling, vision, and passing make him one of football’s brightest talents. His faith is important to him, evident in his off-field rituals. In the current season, despite injury setbacks, he has already contributed 25 goals and assists combined.

• Appearances: 43
• World Cup appearances: 3
• Position: Right Winger
• Goals + Assists: 25 + 17
• Shots on Target per 90: 1.27
• Chance Creation per 90: 2.81